Dearborn Memorial Day Parade
In 2026, the City of Dearborn proudly hosts its 100th Memorial Day Parade, an enduring tradition that honors our nation’s fallen heroes while bringing generations of residents together in remembrance. This centennial commemoration, held in consultation with the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council (DAWVC), is a tribute to the service and sacrifice to those who lost their lives while serving our country.
As one of Dearborn’s longest-running events, the parade draws thousands across the city and region, featuring 90+ organizations, veterans groups, marching bands, and community partners.
Dearborn's 100th Memorial Day parade will be held on Monday, May 25, 2026
Parade Schedule & Remembrance Ceremony
The Memorial Day parade will open with a military funeral procession beginning at 9:30 a.m.
The parade will follow, beginning at approximately 10 a.m.
Following the parade, a remembrance ceremony will be held to formally recognize and honor the fallen at the Veterans Park & War Memorial in front of the Henry Ford Centennial Library, 16301 Michigan Ave. Remarks will be given by Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud and the parade Grand Marshal, among others.
Grand Marshal 2026: Captain Houssain “Sam” T. Sareini
Houssain “Sam” T. Sareini, a Captain in the United States Navy, will serve as the Grand Marshal for the historic 100th Memorial Day Parade.
Born and raised in Dearborn, Captain Sareini's distinguished Navy career includes commanding multiple operations, deployments, and various shore assignments, such as Division Director for Chemistry and Materials at Naval Nuclear Power Training Command. Captain Sareini previously commanded the destroyer USS Nitze, leading multiple deployments and major inspections while earning several Battle “E” awards for excellence. He later served as Reactor Officer aboard the USS Harry S. Truman, completing an accelerated training cycle and a combat deployment to the Red Sea.
His numerous military honors include the Bronze Star, Combat Action Medal, Meritorious Service Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation and Achievement Medals, Good Conduct Medals, and he was named 2015 Instructor of the Year while serving as Deputy Module Head for Surface Warfare at Tactical Training Group Atlantic, among various unit commendations.
Sareini is the son of Suzanne Sareini, the first Arab American woman to serve on the Dearborn City Council, and brother of Michael T. Sareini, the current City Council president.
March in the Parade
We invite your organization, marching band, or community/school group to join us in this milestone commemoration.
Prospective parade participants are required to submit the following no later than April 17, 2026:
While digital submission is preferred, paper copies of both documents are also available at the following locations:
- Dearborn Administrative Center, 16901 Michigan Ave
- Veterans Resource Center located in the Henry Ford Centennial Library, 16301 Michigan Ave.
Hold Harmless Agreement
Upload this signed agreement when submitting your Participant Application.
If submitting a paper application, please mail or drop off to the address below.
Mail Hold Harmless to:
ATTN: Fatima Al-Rasool
Department of Community Relations
Dearborn Administrative Center
16901 Michigan Avenue, Suite 16
Dearborn, MI 48126-2927
Parade Route
This year’s parade route runs along Michigan Ave, beginning at Schaefer Rd and ending at the Veterans Park & War Memorial in front of the Henry Ford Centennial Library, 16301 Michigan Ave.
Parade Sponsors
The City of Dearborn extends a kind thank you to our generous event supporters who help make this event possible.
View the Memorial Day Parade Sponsorship Booklet for more information.
